When the 1Berkshire team is talking to businesses about the value of their membership, it can be easy to miss the big picture. Yes, we provide members with a variety of tangible benefits. Networking opportunities, where you can make meaningful connections, and the consistent promotion of your business on our websites and printed guidebook are often cited as the most valued ones by our members. What about all of the other work you are supporting when you invest in 1Berkshire with your membership? Without a doubt, these initiatives also benefit you and your business in very important ways.
With your support, we’ve launched Berkshire Starts, an initiative to support small business in the Berkshires. We’ve conducted business concept competitions and created The Business Bootcamp with MCLA. These initiatives help small business hopefuls by connecting them with the resources they need to take their next step. Our entrepreneurial meetups gather entrepreneurs and creatives with service providers, which is great for anyone looking for more business to business connectivity. When new businesses find everything they need – from legal advice to bookkeeping services – everyone wins.
Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli and Senator Adam Hinds joined us in the Hall of Flags for Tourism Day festivities at the Massachusetts State House.
We keep the region top of mind for travelers from key markets (such as NYC and Boston) and money flowing into our tourism economy. That’s good news for every business in the Berkshires because the residents who work in our museums, theaters, hotels, and restaurants also utilize your bank, law firm, medical or dental office, and even your car dealership. A healthy tourism economy contributes to an overall healthy regional economy.
1Berkshire serves as the Berkshire business community voice, convening conversations with diverse stakeholders and advocating on issues such as electricity rates and the sharing economy and how these items impact our existing businesses. We believe that our region is best served by all voices being heard, including the next generation. Our leadership programs (Berkshire Leadership Program and Youth Leadership Program) provide insight into both the challenges and the strengths of our region. This, in turn, cultivates informed future leaders, who are ready to tackle tomorrow with an optimistic mindset.
Together we will keep doing all of this and more – (only a year old now) we’re just getting started! We’re here to grow and promote the region because we know the best is yet to come, but we need your help to make it happen.